Giants Co-Captain Ngawai Eyles Settles In

New Zealand-born Canberra Giants recruit Ngawai Eyles is thriving in her role as a co-captain, declaring she “loves life in the capital” after moving to the city to support her ACT Brumbies partner, flyhalf Wharenui Hawera.

Eyles, who grew up in Hamilton, believes stepping into the leadership role was the next step forward in her career as she sets her sights on playing in the Super Netball competition.

“For my team have to voted for those roles and to have me in there, I was absolutely stoked that they had that confidence in me,” Eyles said.

“I think [trying to make it to Super Netball] is the goal for everyone playing in the ANL. Of course I would love to play for the Giants but obviously we have to focus on this season first.”

With her feet firmly set in the capital, Eyles says learning the Australian style of play has been a fun learning experience.

“The different one-on-one defensive structures, passing styles and just getting out of bad habits that I learnt in New Zealand has been something that I have embraced and adapted to,” she said.

Original article by Mathew Stramandinoli, The Sydney Morning Herald, May 24, 2018.

Photo by Sitthixay Ditthavong.